Among all things dog care, mobile grooming is one service that has grown in popularity like no other.
And being a seasoned mobile groomer in Memphis, I don’t find it surprising. After all, for a little extra cost, it brings unparalleled convenience to pet owners like you.
Picture this: A dog groomer comes over, grooms your pup with the best accessories and dog care products, all in the comfort and privacy of your home.
Both you and your furry friend will prefer this convenience over driving long distances and waiting for hours, won’t you?
But this also brings me to the bigger question here, i.e., the cost of mobile dog grooming that you can expect to foot.
You see, I am often asked about the total mobile dog grooming cost by pet parents like yourself. However, putting a precise dollar figure here is a bit complex and depends on a range of factors.
Read on, as I break down the cost for mobile grooming across dog breeds and regions backed by my own grooming experience.
What is mobile dog grooming to begin with?
Before I start with the mobile dog grooming cost and factors, it is important you understand what this type of grooming is all about.
For starters, mobile pet grooming is a convenient alternative to traditional grooming salons with groomers providing personalized care and attention right at your doorstep.
Here, grooming services operate out of fully-equipped vans or trailers, unlike grooming facilities operating from dog salons.
In fact, mobile groomers bring professional-grade tools, water for dog wash, cleaning stations, and most importantly the skills needed in the dog grooming profession, directly to pet owners. Meaning you can expect the same level of amenities, care, and expertise that you find in conventional grooming.
The best part: This type of care eliminates the stress of travel among dogs, more so if yours is an anxious or senior pet. Also, mobile groomers focus on one pet at a time, which brings a calmer and more relaxed experience for your pup.
Mobile dog grooming cost: A complete breakdown
Now that you know what mobile grooming is all about, let jump to the bigger question, i.e, the cost of mobile dog grooming.
First thing first, the average mobile dog grooming cost varies widely based on factors such as your dog’s size, coat type, location, etc.
Not to mention, the convenience of mobile grooming, i.e., having a professional groomer come to your home, also results in higher costs compared to traditional grooming salons.
Overall, you can expect to pay in the range of $100 and $170 or more to get your pup groomed in their own intimate space. Here, while the smaller breeds like Yorkshire Terrier cost you on the lower end, grooming larger breeds like Labrador Retriever can be on the upper end.
At this point, I am sure you’ll find it confusing to find the right mobile grooming cost average for your pup’s breed.
So, let me break down the average costs for small, medium, and large breeds, plus extra services that might affect the total price.
1. Small breeds: $100-$130
The cost of mobile dog grooming for smaller breeds such as Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Maltese, or Yorkshire Terrier is among the lowest. And that’s because these pups require less grooming time and fewer grooming products compared to larger dogs.
As such, you can expect to pay in the range of $100 and $130 for a basic at-home grooming package.
However, grooming some of these dogs might still cost you $10-$40 over and above the average. This is mainly due to the long or curly coats that require specialized cuts or add-on services necessary for complete grooming.
Here’s an average range of mobile dog grooming cost for smaller breeds based on the extent of grooming:
- Basic grooming package: This includes bath, drying, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and sanitary trim and costs between $100 and $130.
- Full Grooming package: This includes all the basic services plus breed-specific or owner-requested haircuts and styling and costs between $130 and $160.
- Add-on grooming items:
- Teeth cleaning: +$10 – $20
- De-matting: +$15 – $30
- Flea/tick treatment: +$20 – $40
- Special shampoos (medicated, hypoallergenic, whitening): +$10 – $25
2. Medium breeds: $120-$150
If your pup is a medium-sized breed, the cost for mobile dog grooming that you’ll incur will be in the middle range.
You see, it is not as labor-intensive to groom the likes of Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, Border Collie, or Australian Shepherd compared to large breeds. Nevertheless, they still need more shampoo, water, and drying time.
So, you can expect the basic grooming package to cost you between $120 and $150 or more.
Also, there can be some additional breed-specific costs that can add to your bills.
For instance, breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Australian Shepherds need more detailed grooming including feathering trims. Similarly, pups with thick double coats, such as Border Collies, might require additional deshedding.
Here’s a border breakdown of mobile dog grooming cost for medium breeds for you to understand better:
- Basic grooming package: This covers bath, drying, brushing, nail trim, ear cleaning, and light trimming and costs between $120 – $150.
- Full grooming package: This covers all basic services plus breed-specific or customized haircuts, costing in the range of $150 – $180
- Add-on grooming items:
- Deshedding treatment: +$20 – $40
- Medicated shampoo: +$15 – $30
- Anal gland expression: +$10 – $20
- Specialty scissoring or hand-stripping: +$30 – $60
3. Large breeds: $140 – $170
Grooming large dog breeds like Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Standard Poodle, German Shepherd, Newfoundland calls for significant time, skill, and effort.
Not to mention, these breeds also need more shampoo, longer drying time, and additional brushing and de-shedding, to name a few.
And that’s exactly why the basic cost of mobile dog grooming for these breeds is in the range of $140 and $170.
Now, some large breeds like Poodles or Doodles need special trimming with intricate scissor cuts which increases grooming time and overall cost. This also goes for Golden Retrievers who require extensive brushing and trimming.
At the same time, German Shepherds and Huskies require an undercoat blowout, which is also quite labor-intensive and comes at an additional cost.
Here’s a mobile grooming cost breakdown for larger breeds:
- Basic grooming package: For a price between $140 – $170, this covers bath, drying, brushing, nail trim, ear cleaning, and light coat maintenance.
- Full grooming package: For a price between $170 – $200+, this brings all basic services plus custom styling, shaping, and haircuts.
- Add-on grooming items:
- Deshedding treatment: +$30 – $50
- Flea and tick treatment: +$25 – $50
- Specialty hand-scissoring for Poodles and Doodles: +$40 – $80
- Extra-large breed surcharge (e.g., Newfoundland, Saint Bernard): +$30 – $50
What are the factors that determine mobile dog grooming cost?
So far, you know with certainty how much you can expect to pay a mobile dog groomer depending on your dog’s breed and grooming package.
But it isn’t just breed that determines the total cost of grooming.
Yes, size and breed are essential price determinants, but there are other factors too such as your location and the groomer’s experience. And each of these factors contribute to your final grooming bill.
All in all, here are the factors that decide how much you pay for mobile dog grooming:
1. Breed and size
The size and breed of your dog plays an essential role in determining grooming costs. That’s because different breeds have different coat types and subsequent grooming requirements.
For instance, breeds like Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Bichon Frises need special cuts and regular trims to maintain their unique look.
Similarly, double-coated breeds such as Huskies and Golden Retrievers require additional deshedding treatments.
And all of these can take your total bill over and beyond the above basic average.
2. Coat condition
Yet another important cost determinant is the condition of your dog’s coat.
For instance, dogs that are groomed regularly and have well-maintained coats require less effort. And this reduces the overall grooming time and cost.
However, if your dog’s coat is tangled, matted, or excessively dirty, the groomer will need to spend extra time brushing, detangling, and even shaving certain areas. Meaning you can expect a higher service charge in this case.
3. Services you choose
Mobile dog groomers offer standard packages that include a bath, blow-dry, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and brushing. And this will not exceed the average costs I’ve listed above.
Nevertheless, if you opt for additional services like teeth cleaning, deshedding treatments, flea baths, and specialty haircuts, you should expect an extra cost.
4. Your location
Where you live significantly impacts the cost of mobile dog grooming.
For instance, in metropolitan areas where living expenses, fuel, and labor costs are high, mobile groomers typically charge more. And this is why cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco often have higher grooming rates compared to smaller cities like Memphis.
Furthermore, grooming costs also fluctuate based on demand. So, in areas with fewer mobile groomers, prices might be higher due to limited availability.
5. Groomer’s experience and reputation
As a general rule of thumb, an experienced and reputable mobile groomer will charge more for their services. And this is mainly for their skill, reliability, and high-quality service.
You see, well-reviewed groomers often book up quickly and are always in high demand.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of mobile dog grooming
How often should you schedule mobile grooming for your dog?
The frequency of grooming will depend on your dog’s breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Generally, I recommend my clients to schedule grooming sessions every 4 to 8 weeks to maintain optimal coat and skin health.
Are there any additional fees you should be aware of?
Some groomers might charge extra for services like de-matting, flea treatments, or handling aggressive dogs.
Can mobile groomers handle large, senior, or aggressive dogs?
Many mobile groomers are equipped to handle dogs of all sizes and ages. However, for aggressive dogs, I suggest you look for groomers who have some experience working at an aggressive dog board and train.
And to that end, you should discuss your dog’s specific needs and any mobility issues with the groomer beforehand.
What if your dog has special needs?
You should inform the groomer of any health issues or special conditions that your dog might have. Seasoned groomers have experience working with boarding for special needs dogs and they often accommodate these needs or advise if any changes to the grooming process are necessary.
How do you find a reputable mobile dog groomer in your area?
You can start by asking for recommendations from friends, family, or your veterinarian. Also, online reviews and local pet owner groups can provide you valuable insights.
To sum up
As you can see, although the average mobile dog grooming cost is slightly higher than grooming salons, it is totally worth it thanks to the convenience and personalization it brings.
In fact, with your canine companion looking and feeling their best, these services can even surpass the care and attention at the best of salons.
Got more questions about the cost of mobile dog grooming or need to schedule one for your pet?
You can get in touch with us and get a mobile grooming quote.
At Dawg Team Apparel USA, we are seasoned pet groomers with strong community roots in Memphis and beyond. Also, our dog store online has got everything from pet apparel to grooming essentials, and more.
In short, we’ve got your dog care and grooming needs covered on a budget.
